Shop Local: Lou Lou

The hunt for the perfect cocktail dress or new outfit for work is never complete until you’ve tied it all together with a killer accessory. (Trust me, truer words have never been spoken). But sometimes it can be hard to dig up the right piece of jewelry from your cluttered collection. Instead of a last minute, frantic trip to the mall, my DC-area readers should check out Lou Lou, a cute accessories boutique with numerous locations across the DMV.

I recently shopped at Lou Lou in Old Town Alexandria and was blown away with their massive selection of reasonably priced jewelry. Seriously, hydrate and have lunch before stopping by — you’ll need the energy to sort through the tables of jewelry!

Exhibit A:

And Exhibit B — so many brightly-colored watches, bauble necklaces and lovely scarves and purses.

I couldn’t resist picking up two new pairs of earrings both priced under $25. One practical, one fun!

Locations:
Numerous! The original Lou Lou boutique is located in Middleburg, VA, but they have 9 DC-area shops including Alexandria, DC, Reston, Bethesda and more opening soon. Click for details.

Old Town Lou Lou:
132 King Street, Alexandria, VA [Map]
Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-7

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You might also like: Shop Virginia: Covet

Valentine’s Day: A First Date (2/3)

Boy meets Girl [online]. Boys asks Girl out. Girl says yes and then realizes that their first date is planned for Valentine’s Day evening. What does Girl wear?!

If you’re single and ready to mingle this year, here’s a romantic outfit that says: I’m approachable (not: I’m desperate). Light pink is the perfect, non-intimidating color on Vday. And seriously, how cute are these flats??

Boy smooches Girl.

(Check back tomorrow for one more Vday outfit idea! Did you miss yesterday’s red-hot outfit? See it here)

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Skinny Jeans
$45 – ae.com

Apt. 9 Embellished Chiffon Top and Camisole Set
$20 – kohls.com

Heart Of The Matter Flat
$30 – modcloth.com

Cutout Hinge Bracelet
$7.80 – forever21.com

Fringed Chain Earrings
$4.80 – forever21.com

Sheer Scarf
$12 – hm.com

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You might also like:
Valentine’s Day: Dinner with Your Sweetie

World Market: Unexpected Jewelry Jackpot

Since the bf and I are still putting the finishing touches on our new townhouse, I decided to take a trip to World Market yesterday. I always forget how much I love World Market! Where else can you find pillows, wine, Sriracha sauce, and jewelry? That’s right, they sell cute jewelry!

The jewelry selection at World Market is colorful, on trend, and totally affordable. I definitely recommend taking a trip next time you’re in need a long, dramatic necklace or delicate chandelier earrings.

Tip: the in-store selection seems to be larger and a bit trendier than their online section. And they often have pieces marked down in the store, so take a minute and sort through the clearance rack. Here are a few items I love:

Multi-Material Bangles, Set of 7 for $12.99

Gray and Pink Wood Bead Necklace for $19.99

Black Stones Gold Stretch Ring for $9.99

Novica Balinese Lace Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings for $33.49.

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Thrifty Jewelry Brands
Watches and Bracelets: Friends or Foes?

Thrifty Jewelry Brands

Reader Question: Where are some *secret places* to find affordable but fun jewelry? I’m wearing my favorite necklace right now that I got in a trendy store in London for practically nothing.

Answer: I can totally sympathize with this reader. Most of my fav pieces of jewelry are the souvenirs I picked up when traveling abroad. “I got this bracelet in Costa Rica!” is just so fun to say. But what if the only trips you’re taking this spring are to the mall? (or online). Have no fear… Style Me Thrifty is here with jewelry suggestions!

Asos
If you can’t go back to London, why not order jewelry from London? Asos is a UK based company that offers free shipping and free returns worldwide. I love both of these dramatic necklaces, especially paired with a plain t-shirt:

Asos Oasis Cluster Chain Necklace ($25.10) and Statement Enamelled Discs Collar ($53)

Aldo
Have you ever looked at Aldo’s jewelry selection? In addition to trendy shoes, Aldo sells some really cool, affordable jewelry. Here are some of super cute picks for spring (the mix of gold and light pink is so flattering for tan skin!).

Aldo Pielow earrings ($10), Cates ring ($8), Borchard belts ($20)

Lulu’s
Lulu’s is currently my favorite online retailer for dresses and they also carry really fun jewelry, like the yellow bangle below. Lulu’s posts new merchandise daily, so there are always new items to sort through. Keep in mind that items sell out fairly quickly so if you see something you like, grab it.

 

Lulu's Icelandic Hertiage Bangle ($16) from Lulu's

Max & Chloe
This online retailer is dedicated to selling designer jewelry. But here’s a tip for your thrifty fashionistas: you can search the site by price — I picked the $50 and below category and always stumble upon lots of hidden gems. So many cute items (random factoid: Michelle Money from “The Bachelor” also digs this site).

 

K. Amato Turquoise and Gold Leaf Earrings ($38) from Max & Chloe

Etsy
If you’re buying jewelry as a gift, I highly recommend Etsy, the online community of folks selling handmade items. The personal service is tops and the selection is insane (almost 2 million items tagged at “jewelry”). I suggest narrowing down your search and bookmarking favorite sellers.

Forever 21
When in doubt, there is always Forever 21. Their jewelry is cheap, trendy, and plentiful. I really like their selection of long necklaces and cocktail rings (priced as low as $3.80). I’ve had a few beads come unglued in earrings I’ve bought there, but for such a cheap price tag, who cares?! Plus, I own a glue gun and I know how to use it.

A Few Final Ideas
Ann Taylor Loft, H&M, Target, Charlotte Russe, Nordstrom junior’s dept, Express

PS – Happy birthday, Susanna!